Expert: James Yee - 8/15/2008

Question
Hi James,

Ive been getting into cigars for about a year or so... and to be honest, getting my humidor working properly was quite stressful

In the end, I believe my humidor had some leaks and wasnt closing tightly.   The solution was the line the edges with seran wrap, and then to place a large recipe cookbook on top.   Horrible to look at, but its working and saving my cigars... which is the important point

anyways, I have had some cigars that have been in about 60% RH for a few months.   I finally fixed my humidors relative humidity and have been trying to get them back to good humidity.   Now, they are being stored in about 73% RH

I am doing the pinch test to test whether they are good to smoke or not.  The foot of the cigar when I do the pinch test seems pretty good, its spongy and not too squishy, also bounces back once I let go.   But when I lightly squeeze closer to the label ring of the cigar, it is totally different and doesnt have nearly as much give

is this normal?  how can I tell the entire cigar is at a good humidity?

thanks for your help!

PS. I noticed you were from Toronto, around how much should I be expected to pay for a Cohiba?  such as a Siglo I?

thanks again!

Answer
Hi Andrew,

Don't worry, this is perfectly normal.  Cigars are usually easier to pinch at the foot because the cigar has an open foot.  The body and head of the cigar however, is closed and tightly rolled so it has less give when pinched.

As for Cohiba prices, last time I checked, La Casa del Habanos was selling Siglo I's for about $20 each.  I really don't smoke Siglo I's very much so if you need to get a price quote, you can call La Casa Del Habanos or another Havana House-supplied retailer and they will gladly give you a price listing for their cigars.  You can view a list of Habanos-approved, Canadian retailers and their contact info at www.havanahouse.com.

Hopes this answers your question. If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.

Regards,
James